For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4
Artur Suleimanov (2010)
Dynamic Leader
This dynamic Christian leader was shot in the head as he was leaving his church in the strongly Islamic republic of Dagestan, in the Russian Federation, on 15 July 2010. A gunman approached and opened fire as the pastor got into a car. He died from his wounds in hospital around an hour later, leaving behind his wife Zina and five children.
Another Christian was sitting in the car with Pastor Suleimanov when he was killed, strongly indicating that the latter was singled out for assassination. The 49-year-old pastor, himself a convert from Islam, had been involved in outreach to Muslims and his life had been threatened on several previous occasions. Pastor Suleimanov’s church was one of the largest Protestant churches in Dagestan and very active in the community. His murder was seen as an attempt to put further pressure on Christian converts in the republic. The population is 98 per cent Muslim, and the Church faces harassment and intimidation from various groups.
God has called us to shine. Let no one say that he cannot shine because he has not so much influence as some others may have. What God wants you to do is to use the influence you have.
Dwight L Moody (1837-99)